He added: "Getting better intelligence on, and surveillance of, suspects is a better approach than Blunkett's suggestion of lowering the burden of proof and his plans to continue to hold suspects without charge."

Intensive training

MI5 currently employs around 1,900 people, with graduates starting on a salary of £20,100 a year.

The details of the new positions have already been posted on the agency's website.

Recruits would have to undergo a 60-day intensive training and assessment period, with no guarantee of a job at the end of it.

MI5, which was founded in 1909, has recently embarked on a campaign to recruit more widely, as only 4% of staff are black or Asian.